APMHA HealthCare

Born in Wales Sian completed her Registered Nurse training and then emigrated to Australia in 1989. She worked as a general nurse for 18 years, much of it in ED, before moving into the area of mental health and addiction. Sian is a multi award winning Nurse Practitioner, CMHN and Dip AOD with 41 years of experience across the healthcare sector. 

After qualifying as a NP Sian moved into private practice, setting up Geelong's first Nurse Practitioner-led clinic. Her company Pritchard Health collaborated with others across the region to provide accessible affordable mental health and addiction services. In developing Pritchard Health, Sian was able to offer opportunities to other mental health nurses to move into private practice settings and empowered others to undertake NP training, offering mentorship and clinical experience working alongside her. In July 2023 Sian joined the team at APMHA Healthcare as a General Manager and continues to provide NP services alongside a team of social workers and mental health nurses. As a strong advocate Sian has influenced changes to Government policy and services to improve access to affordable health care in Australia and how the nursing profession is viewed. 

Sian never forgets how lucky she is to live in Geelong, close to the ocean and the country and has a therapy dog Barnaby and is very excited to present at this year's Next Gen NP Conference believing the format that has been developed has been inspirational and incredibly supportive for those aspiring to grow their skill set.

Access Health & Community

Michelle is a Nurse Practitioner and Credentialed Mental Health Nurse in Victoria,  with specialised expertise in Alcohol and Other Drugs, Mental Health, Hepatitis care, and Sexual Health. Her career includes extensive experience across emergency and primary care, mental health services, and forensic settings, giving her a broad and deeply informed clinical perspective.

With a nursing career spanning 45 years and over 12 years practising as a Nurse Practitioner, Michelle is committed to delivering care grounded in respect, compassion, and genuine collaboration. Her holistic approach integrates comprehensive physical health assessment, psychological evaluation, and psychosocial support—empowering clients to work toward their personal goals and achieve meaningful treatment outcomes.

Michelle is a strong advocate for individuals experiencing drug dependence, mental health challenges, and sexually transmitted infections, with a particular focus on Hepatitis C education, treatment, and elimination. She is also a supporter of evidence‑informed plant‑based medicines as part of a person‑centred and harm‑reduction approach to care.

South Eastern Sydney Local Health District

Mark is an Endorsed Nurse Practitioner / accredited opioid treatment prescriber working for South Eastern Sydney Local Health District. An advocate for evidenced based drug policy reform, Mark has assisted long term Methadone maintenance patients to transfer to safer long acting Buprenorphine formulations.